Ed Welch’s Crossroads: A Step-By-Step Guide Away from Addiction: Facilitator’s Guideaims to guide addicts and those involved in addict counseling/discipleship to point to a life of freedom and hope in Christ. Although there are several good resources available for counseling addictions, another curriculuum based work is always helpful. Welch is also the author of Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave : Finding Hope in the Power of the Gospel (Resources for Changing Lives), where he fully addresses addictions in the light of Scripture. This particular work (Crossroads) was published by Crossway Books in 2009 as a small group curriculuum for dealing with addictions. It is based off of Welch’s previous book and includes several references back to it throughout the study. It is, however, an entirely new work with a little more targeted aim. Anyone invlovled with addiction counseling/discipleship or just personal spiritual growth would do well to give this study some time. I must admit, though, that Welch’s style seems to aim at the completely unchurched crowd. Much of the content begins really vague spiritually and eventually ends with a specific call to Christ. I definitely understand Welch’s desire to extend help to the struggling addict with a limited knowledge of Christianity. I just believe that we don’t have to come at it so vaguely as the book seems to do. Now, to give Welch credit, at the beginning he does adequately explain the philosphy behind his approach as well as his intention to provide a curriculuum with room for flexibility. As I said earlier, I believe this work can be very useful as a study or counseling reference. I would just be sensitive to some of the spiritual vagueness throughout the studying process and be continually looking for ways to steer the reader/counselee toward Christ and the rich truths of God’s Word. Welch provides many Scriptures throughout the study. Take your time to look up and study each of these texts, allowing God to do His transforming work. In addition to the facilitator’s (teacher’s) guide, there is also a student book as well: Crossroads: A Step-By-Step Guide Away from Addiction: Study Guide
Pick up a copy today and begin your study of addictions though God’s eyes!

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